Suspension & Steering

Alignment Specs and Steps

Here is a listing of the correct ranges:

FRONT

CASTER --- 3.5 to 4.0 degrees
CAMBER---- -0.7 to -0.3 degrees
TOE ----- 0.04 to 0.08 inches
TOTAL TOE-- 0.08 to 0.17 inches
CROSS CAMBER -- -0.2 to 0.2 degrees
CROSS CASTER--- -0.3 to 0.3 degrees

REAR

CAMBER---- -0.8 to -0.5 degrees
TOE ---- 0.04 to 0.13 inches
TOTAL TOE 0.08 to 0.25 inches
THRUST ANGLE -0.17 to 0.17 degrees


These specs were on the print out from my SUPERB alignment from Butler Tire in Atlanta. I am assuming that they are correct, because the tires are wearing correctly, (not on the inside edges) and the car tracks and handles beautifully. I briefly looked at your alignment numbers, and it looked like a few were slightly out of tolerance. Hope this helps out.

Chris L.
'89 GT (that drives straight and true)


------------------------

The sequence for wheel alignment of a 928 should be:
1) Check and adjust tire pressure.
2) Check ride height
3) Jack up and check for and replace worn/damaged parts.
4) Adjust ride height.
5) Drive 25 to 100 miles over bumpy roads.*
6) Repeat 1,2. If jacking is necessary, repeat 5 and start over. DO NOT raise car before or during alignment
7) Adjust camber and toe in on rear wheels
8) Adjust camber and caster on front wheels.
9) Install rack centering bolt.
10) Adjust front toe in.
11) Check for level steering wheel and pull and adjust on splines if necessary.
12) Remove rack centering bolt and replace with plastic plug.

Specifications: Front axle Maximum difference between left and right

Height: 180 +- 20 mm 10 mm
Or 27 inches from floor to fender lip
Toe in +15+- 5'
Toe out on turns at 20deg -1 +-20'
Camber -30+-10' 10'
Caster 1978 to 1985 3deg+30' 20'
Caster 1986 on 4 deg+1 20'

Rear axle:
Height 173+-10 mm 10 mm
Or 24.5 inches from floor to fender lip
Toe in each wheel +10+-5' 10'
Camber -40+-10' 10'

The shop manual has complete procedures. This document is meant for sequence of adjustments and quick reference of specifications.

* I have found that 5 miles driving is not adequate to settle after jacking. The 25 to 100 mile figure may be reduced by sitting time. YMMV

Earl Gillstrom '88 S4 5 Speed


Earl has writtten an excellent, comprehensive alignnment guide.
It can be found at http://members.rennlist.com/captearlg/928align.html